The purposes of this study are two-fold: firstly, to evaluate the efficiency of the Malaysian banks and secondly to examine the factors that influence the efficiency levels of those banks. Accordingly, 23 Malaysian banks covering the period between 2006 and 2010 are considered in this study. The findings of the DEA approach indicate that in general the Malaysian banks are efficient over the studied period. Furthermore, exchange rate, GDP, and inflation rate are found to be significant determinants of Malaysian banks' efficiency. As such, the present study contributes to the existing literatures on banks efficiency. The finding might be useful to the regulators as well as the practitioners. Copyright � 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

This study examines the capital structure of choices in Shari'ah-compliant markets in view of the numerous attempts made to address the issue of capital structure choice since 1958. None of these attempts studied the capital structure of Shari'ah-compliant markets. This study applies the model proposed by Huang and Song (2006) to test the determinants of capital structure as suggested by capital structure theories. It uses the regression of fixed effect model to examine the relationship between capital structure and its determinants for 263 Shari'ah-compliant firms listed on the Bursa Malaysia over the 2006-2011 period. The paper found evidence suggesting that the capital structure choice of Shari'ah-compliant firms is influenced by factors such as non-debt tax shields (NDTS), profitability, and risks. However, there is no evidence of the influence of tax and tangibility on capital structure choice of Shari'ah-compliant firms.

Purpose: This research examines earnings management (EM) behavior during the 2008 financial crisis in Malaysia. Both magnitude and direction of EM are studied and compared with EM during the pre-crisis period. In the case of Malaysia, the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board (MASB) adopted the international accounting standards, i.e. the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) just two years prior to the crisis period. These standards could have some influence on EM during the global financial crisis period in Malaysia, thus are also taken into consideration in this study. Methodology: Data were collected from the Bloomberg database, and the proxy for EM was discretionary accruals (DA), which were measured using two models, namely the modified Jones model by Dechow et al. (1995) and the modified Jones model by Kothari et al. (2005). Findings: The empirical findings of paired-sample T-tests for 1,189 firm-years revealed that EM practices in the Malaysian companies were income decreasing during the crisis period (2008 and 2009), compared to the pre-crisis period (2005 and 2006) when the practices were income-increasing. The findings of this study are consistent with big bath theory. Furthermore, simple multivariate regressions support the findings that EM is significantly more negative or less positive during the crisis period. Nevertheless, the adoption of IFRS seems to suggest some deterring influence on EM practices of Malaysian companies. Research Limitation: The limitation of this study is that it uses rudimentary measures to proxy crisis period and IFRS in the regressions. Moreover, this study includes only one control variable (company size). Practical implication: the findings of this study would inspire more research on EM during abnormal periods, such as a financial crisis period, whilst taking accounting regulation into consideration, particularly in Asian countries. In addition, the policy makers might give more attention to ensure the enhancement of the adherence of IFRS adoption. Originality: The paper addressed a practical issue of EM during crisis period using two different proxies. In addition, the paper applied the integrated variable CriIFRS, which reflects the crisis period, taking into consideration IFRS adoption. Albeit preliminary, this is considered the main originality and novelty of the current study. 2019 Australasian Accounting Business and Finance Journal and Authors.

The aim of the study is to identify the factors that influence the entrepreneurial intention among female students in Oman. The study used a survey questionnaire to collect data for a sample of 384 respondents in Oman. The study ensured that the major country regions and universities are covered. The collected data was analysed using partial least squares (PLS) method as well as basic descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that perceived behavioural control and personal attitude were the main factors that influence Omani female students' entrepreneurial intention. Attitude to risk, facilitating conditions and subjective norm were found to have no significant impact on entrepreneurial intention. The focus on female entrepreneurship is both timely and necessary worldwide and particularly in Oman. The findings have significant theoretical and practical implications that would certainly improve the entrepreneurship activities among female undergraduate students in Oman. Copyright � 2020 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

The purpose of this study is to examine the Yemeni customers' intention to adopt takaful products, and to explore the potential factors that influence their decision. This study applies SEM and one sample t-test to analyse the collected data. The results indicate that among the factors included in this study, only compatibility positively and significantly affects the adoption intention. This is the first study that addresses the adoption of Takaful products in Yemen and the factors that influence it. Furthermore, this study extends the Innovations Diffusion Theory (IDT) by applying it to a different setting. � 2015, Gadjah Mada University. All rights reserved.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the integration of Shariah compliance in the information system of Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) in the context of Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach: By applying qualitative approach in the form of in-depth/structured interview of qualified respondents within Islamic financial industries. Findings: The result of this study indicates that information system advancement will give an increasing level of competitive advantages. Also, the result indicates that the internal control and information system played a vital role in ensuring the Shariah compliance and translating and circulating the Shariah guidelines among the IFIs' departments and staffs. In terms of Shariah integration in information system, there is a consideration during the development of an information system. Shariah will be an element that needs to be accounted for to develop the information system for IFI. Research limitations/implications: This includes the scope of the study which is based on Malaysian Islamic banks only. Hence, future studies are recommended to extend this endeavor to other contexts as well. Furthermore, although the initial sample was covering nine IFIs, only two IFIs accepted to participate in the interview. It is suggested that the future studies involve more participants and apply different research techniques such as focus groups or questionnaire survey. Practical implications: Make sure employees who are in charge of performing any function related to Shariah (i.e. Shariah review, Shariah audit, Shariah research, Shariah risk management) have a basic knowledge on information technology (IT) and information system. Continuous trainings for IFIs' employees covering the information system and internal control system issues related to the Shariah compliance. Focus on seminars and conferences on outstanding issues related to information system technology in IFIs. Promoting programs and subjects specialized in information system technology in IFIs. IFIs should allocate a budget for system development or enhancement in the financial budget ensuring that IT system is incorporated in Shariah compliance. IFIs should consider enhancement of Shariah compliance encompass and the alignment into the IT system as continuous process, as well as one of their strategic plan aspects. Bank Negara Malaysia as a regulatory body of IFIs should emphasize on regulating the Shariah aspects with regard to the IT system. Originality/value: This paper's contributions lies in the enhancement of the development of the Shariah compliance literature, as well in the integration of Shariah compliance and information system in IFIs. 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Purpose – The purpose of this study is mainly to comprehensively investigate the current practices of Islamic banks’ Shari’ah supervisory boards in the specific context of Yemen. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a qualitative approach in the form of in-depth interviews of a number of Shari’ah scholars active within the Yemeni Islamic banks. Findings – The findings support the notion that Islamic banking still lacks regulations and standards, as the Yemeni Islamic banks are still following the minimum requirements and only apply the compulsory standards. Another key finding is that Islamic banks in Yemen apply similar principles in Fatwa issuance and Shari’ah compliance assurance, especially in referring to the different Madzhabs’ and scholars’ opinions because of the sensitivity of Yemeni community with regards to the Shari’ah compliance aspect. Finally, the procedure of Shari’ah review of the Islamic banks’ operations varied from the typical set of procedures to the loose ones in terms of the number of staff in the Shari’ah audit department and the application of a comprehensive survey or sampling to review the banks’ transactions. Originality/value – This study provides some valuable recommendations to further enhance the Shari’ah supervisory practices not only in Yemen but also in similar settings.